The National Park Service is revisiting its management plan for public access to the backcountry of Wupatki National Monument, a 35,254-acre park northeast of Flagstaff that protects thousands of archaeological sites, including many well-preserved, pre-Columbian masonry buildings dating to the 13th century.
Currently, the monument maintains several developed sites where visitors can park, picnic and walk around some of the monument’s most spectacular sites on established trails. But public access to the monument’s undeveloped areas — roughly 97% of the monument’s total area — is limited to a handful of ranger-led hikes in the spring and fall.
According to a release from Wupatki Superintendent Kayci Cook Collins, Wupatki’s backcountry has been kept mostly off-limits to the public “to protect the thousands of archeological sites from unacceptable impacts, such as vandalism and artifact collection.”
But recently the NPS initiated internal discussions and a public comment process to consider whether other backcountry uses could be compatible with Wutpaki’s primary mission of protecting the park’s outstanding cultural sites.
“The monument has begun initial conversations about the types of activities that may be appropriate in the backcountry,” a monument newsletter states. “While the NPS encourages uses related to public enjoyment, opportunities must be compatible with the purpose of the park unit and may not cause unacceptable impacts to resources and values.”
Potential backcountry activities suggested by NPS in Wupatki National Monument include expanding the park’s guided hike program, providing routes for unguided hiking, allowing backcountry camping in designated areas and offering commercial guide tours.
Interested members of the public can learn more about the initiative and submit ideas and comments on Wupatki’s backcountry management online at parkplanning.nps.gov/wupa. The comment period closes Friday, Jan. 31.
The National Park Service is also hosting a public forum to answer questions and gather input from members of the public in Flagstaff on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Flagstaff High School Commons, 400 W. Elm Ave.
